Enhanced SpO₂ in Response to Intermittent Normobaric Hypoxia in a Patient (Case Study) with COPD (LB787)

Abstract

Recent studies by Cardoso et al (The FASEB Journal, April 9, 2013; v27, 938.7) using hypoxic pre‐conditioning (HP) add support to its value in the management of T2D, CV and pulmonary disease. We now report enhancement of SpO2 levels (P<0.0001) for a 75 yr old patient with Stage IV COPD when we intermittently employed a set of pre and post conditioning 1 hr interruption (at rest with SpO2 recorded at 1 min intervals) of her 24/7 nasal oxygen flow from Mar 2012 through Dec 2013 (interventions were repeated at 1‐3 month intervals at the patient’s discretion). Normalization of SpO2 was recorded when in late Dec 2013 we added bicycling at 6 mph (off supplemental O2 during exercise) 24 hrs after our 1 hr hypoxic interventions. Mean SpO2 on Dec 30, 2013 = 87.1±3.4 and Jan 6, 9, 14 and 18, 2014 = 91.9±2.3; 95.1± 1.71; 95.7±1.1; 87.9±3.6, respectively (Dec 2013 vs Jan 2014, P<0.0001). All observations were re‐confirmed Feb 14, 2014. The results suggest patients with COPD respond to HP with improved quality of life, and increased tolerance to exercise that may lead, as in our patient, to significantly lower frequency of prescribed medication. Grant Funding Source: San Pedro Univ. Peru; Federal Univ. COPPE, RJ, Brazil, Private donations